Multi-purpose kitchen unit



May 26, 1970 y T. scHAAP ETAI- 3,514,330

MULTI-PURPOSE KITCHEN UNIT Filed Jan. 9. 1967 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 WHW May 26, 1970 T. scHAAP ETAL lMULTI-PURPOSE KITCHEN UNIT Filed Jan. 9, 19s? 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 \N mM, mm. SMM. -u \m}\ m wm sm, l. wm. Q i QW v May 26, 1970 gn-mpl ETAL MULTI-PURPOSE KITCHEN UNIT Filed Jan. 9, 1967 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Mazza' United States Patent O U.S. Cl. 134-115 17 Claims ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE A multi-purpose kitchen unit combining in a single compact cabinet a garbage disposal, an automatic dishwasher and a general purpose sink such as uds ordinary usage in kitchens and the like. The dishwashing chamber is formed from an opened top tub and the sink is hingedly mounted at the top of the cabinet to provide, when in its raised position, access to the dishwasher and, when in its lowered position, a water-tight seal for the dishwashing chamber. The disposal unit is located beneath the dishwashing chamber and the water from the dishwasher drains thereinto. A breakaway communicating standpipe is provided between the sink drain and the dishwashing chamber drain for channeling garbage, water and the like from the kitchen sink directly into the disposal unit through the dish-washing chamber. Thus,

the sink and disposal may be utilized despite operation of the dishwashing unit.

BACKGROUND This invention relates to a general purpose kitchen unit and, more particularly, to such a unit embodying a unique operative relationship between a general purpose sink and an automatic dishwashing chamber. In its more limited aspects, this invention relates additionally to a combination general purpose sink, automatic dishwashing unit and garbage disposal.

In mobile homes, apartments and similar living or working quarters, the installation of a combination sink, dishwasher and disposal is often prohibited by space considerations. For example, were such a unit to be installed in a conventional mobile home, little space would remain in the kitchen area for storage cabinets, counter tops and the like. The space-consuming characteristics of currently available units of this type are attributable primarily to duplication of components to perform similar or identical functions in their particular operative environments. The problem, primarily, has been one of lateral dimension. Thus, for example, if a sink and disposal unit is provided, the storage space beneath the sink is severely limited and, when a separate dishwashing unit is provided, the below-the-counter storage within the kitchen is substantially reduced.

OBJECTS AND SPECIFICATION It is an object of this invention to provide a multipurpose kitchen unit wherein a sink and dishwasher unit are mechanically and functionally interrelated such that the space below the general purpose sink which is usually wasted can be utilized with maximum eiciency.

More particularly, it is an object of this invention to provide a general purpose sink and dishwasher combination wherein the sink serves as one of the walls of the dishwashing enclosure and may be utilized in an ordinary manner despite operation of the dishwashing unit.

It is an object of this invention to provide such a device wherein the diswashing chamber may be loaded from the top to minimize stooping and the like on the part of the user.

It is an object of this invention to provide a device of the type described which does not occupy otherwise usuable floor space when the dishwasher is being loaded and unloaded.

It is an object of this invention to provide a combination of the type described wherein access may be gained to the dishwasher with relative ease and wherein the dishwasher enclosure is of sufficient size to accommodate the dish load for an ordinary family.

Itis yet another object of this invention to provide a multi-purpose kitchen unit embodying the novel combination of a general purpose sink, an automatic dishwasher and a garbage disposal unit wherein the refuse washed from the dishes during operation of the dishwashing unit is channeled directly into the garbage disposal and, additionally, wherein the same garbage disposal may be utilized from the bottom of the general purpose sink in a conventional manner.

It is an object of this invention to provide a novel combination of the type described wherein the garbage or other refuse fed to the garbage disposal through the sink drain may pass directly through the dishwashing cavity without fear of it being splattered on the dishes being washed at the particular moment and, additionally, wherein the water may drain from the dishwasher into the disposal simultaneously with its utilization in conjunction with the sink drain.

Thus, it is an object of this invention to provide a compact and highly simplified multi-purpose kitchen unit embodying the unique combination of a general purpose sink, an automatic dishwashing unit and a garbage disposal wherein each of the various components of the combination perform all operational functions for which they are designed and, thus, permit the number of cornponents minimized and the entire unit to be packaged in a relatively small cabinet suitable for utilization in areas of limited space.

These, as well as other objects of this invention, will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art with reference to the following specification and accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofthe multi-purpose kitchen unit which is the subject of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view (omitting the nozzle assembly for purposes of clarity) of the unit with the top raised for loading and unloading dishes;

FIG. 3 is a broken, perspective view of the unit, partially in cross section, omitting the piping and dish retaining rack for purposes of clarity;

FIG. 4 is a broken, front-elevational view, partially in cross section, of the unit;

FIG. 5 is a broken, side-elevational View, partially in cross section, of the unit showing the sink in phantom in its raised position; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a suitable piping and timing scheme for the unit.

Briefly, this invention comprises a cabinet having an open top automatic dishwashing chamber positioned therein. A general purpose sink is hingedly mounted at the top of the cabinet and adapted, when pivoted into a horizontal position, to close off and seal the open top of the dishwashing chamber. The sink is pivoted toward a vertical position to permit access to the chamber for insertion and removal .of dishes.

This invention comprises additionally, the sink and dishwashing unit described above `wherein there is further combined a garbage disposal unit. The drain from the dishwasher tub channels directly into this disposal unit, and additionally, novel chute means are provided whereby garbage is channeled from the sink drain into the disposal (either when the dishwasher is in use or idle) when the garbage is pushed through the sink in its horizontal use position, or alternatively, when it is scraped into the top of the chute when the sink is in its raised position.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 through 5, the multipurpose kitchen unit comprises a cabinet 11 having a front panel 12, side panels 13, a recessed kick panel 14 and a removable rear panel 18. Standing upwardly from the rear of the top side of cabinet 11 is a control panel 15 having mounted thereon a suitable selector and timer control 16, to be discussed hereinafter, and various utility outlets and switches 17.

Disposed within cabinet 11 is the dishwashing chamber indicated generally by the reference numeral 20. The chamber comprises an open topped tub 21 having a forward viewing window 22 therein which, of course, also is framed through the front panel 12 of cabinet 11. Suitably positioned within the bottom of tub 21 is a spray nozzle washing assembly 23. The details of nozzle assembly 23 are discussed in co-pending application of Timmer et al. Ser. No. 608,187, filed I an. 9, 1967 and, for brevity, will not be repeated in the instant specification. Suffice it to say that the nozzle grid 25 reciprocates on rails 24 under the influence of a exible drive coupling 26. During the period in which the washing and rinsing is taking place, water is emitted under relatively high pressure from the nozzles 27. This water, of course, strikes the dishes and cleanses them.

The Vbottom of tub 21 is equipped with a conventional drain aperture indicated generally by the reference numeral 28. Conveniently, a germicidal rear light assembly 29, the details of which are also discussed in the above noted co-pending application, may be provided in the rear of the tub 21 for sterilizing the dishes during an appropriate interval in the washing cycle. Alternatively, or conjunctively, of course, a conventional light might be incorporated into the assembly 29 operable from one of the utilities 17 in order to illuminate the interior of the cabinet during loading and unloading.

Referring now particularly, to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the base dish retaining rack assembly 30 comprises an elevated base 32 having a plurality of upstanding dish retainers 33 suitably affixed thereto. Sucient clearance is provided between the elevated base 32 and the bottom of tub 21 to permit the reciprocating nozzle grid 23 to function. Positioned centrally within tub 21 and forming an integral part of the base rack assembly 30 is a standpipe or chute retaining assembly indicated generally by the reference numeral 34. A pair of swingable top racks for coffee cups, glasses and the like are provided at the top of the unit adjacent the sides of the sink. By pivoting racks 35 at points 36, they may be swung out of the way for loading and unloading as indicated in FIG. 2.

The standpipe assembly or chute is located centrally of the tub 21 directly above drain 28 and, as indicated, may be retained in position by a retainer structure 34 formed integrally with the base rack assembly 30. The pipe or chute assembly 40 comprises a cylindrical upright section 41 having an outwardly ared upward portion 42 formed in the shape of a funnel. The upright section 41 of chute 40 terminates prior to sealing drain 28 as indicated lby the space 45 in FIG. 4. This permits the water from the dishwashing chamber 20 to flow through drain 28 into the disposal as well as water and refuse passed through the chute 40. Alternatively, of course, standpipe or chute assembly 40 might be removably press tted into the drain 28 and a series of apertures provided in the sides thereof to permit drainage from the bottom of the dishwashing chamber 20. In either event, water and refuse may be passed through drain 28 and into the disposal to be discussed hereinafter, by (l) pushing it through the drain 52 in sink 51, scooping it into the funnel-shaped portion 42 of standpipe 40 when the sink is in raised position shown in FIG. 3; or, (2) washing it from the dishes by the pressure sprays and letting it escape into the disposal Without coming into contact with the upper portions of chute assembly 40.

The cover and sink assembly, indicated generally by the reference numeral 50, comprises a conventional general purpose sink 51 having a drain 52 and a removable plug 53 therefor. The underside of sink 51 adjacent drain 52 is equipped with a depending, cylindrical shoulder 54 which, when the sink is in its horizontal use position and the dishwashing chamber closed, ts loosely into the outwardly flared or funnel-shaped portion 42 of chute 40.

The sink 51 and its supporting frame 55 are hingedly mounted to cabinet 11 as indicated at 56 and a suitable gasket 57 and latch assembly 58 are provided for sealing off the top of the dishwashing chamber 20` when the sink is lowered to the position shown in FIG. 1. When the sink is in the lowered position, a watertight seal is formed about the periphery of the cabinet by gasket member 57 to prevent water from being forced outbetween the cabinet and cover during use of the dishwasher. The sink may be raised easily by merely grasping latch assembly 58, pulling it outwardly in a conventional manner, and pivoting the cover assembly 50 to the position shown in FIG. 2 for removal or insertion of the dishes.

Preferably, a conventional spigot assembly 60 is provided at the top of cabinet 11 between the hinge 56 and the upstanding control panel 15. The assembly 60, for example, may comprise a swingable faucet 16- with a conventional mix-control handle 62. Preferably, a detergent reservoir 63 and a separate miscellaneous cleansing agent reservoir 64 are provided with access plugs located adjacent or integrally with the spigot assembly 60. The actual reservoir tanks themselves, of course, and their lead lines to the dishwasher are located within the interior of cabinet 11 and may, as shown, depend downwardly between the rear panel 18 and the rear wall of tub 21.

The disposal and pump assembly, indicated generally by the reference numeral 70, has a common motor in accordance with the teachings of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 457,708 filed May 21, 1965. This common motor 71 powers a disposal 72 above it and a pump 75 below it. A suitable cold water inlet 73 is provided for disposal 72 and the ground garbage and other waste materials are discharged therefrom through the waste pipe 74. The pump 75 is positioned integrally with respect to motor 71 on the opposite extremity from disposal 72. The pump 75 is capable preferably of generating a relatively high pressure in the neighborhood of 1D0-500 pounds per square inch as is discussed more fully in the co-pending application identified previously. A suitable inlet 76 is provided to the pump and an outlet 77 connects with the reciprocating spray nozzle assembly 23.

The water heater 80 (see FIG. 3) is also disclosed in detail in the noted co-pending application. The unit has an inlet 81 into which water is fed. The water emerges through outlet 82 and is routed to the spray grid assembly 23 at the proper time in the sequence of operations.

FIG. 6 has been included in the disclosure merely as an exemplary illustration of one suitable piping and control scheme for the unit which is the subject of this invention. In this figure, the reference numeral indicates solenoids or other suitable impulse activated valving devices. The hot and cold water from the conventional lines is routed to the water intake unit 91 during installation of the unit. The water is fed to a suitable mixer 92 which, upon command of the pre-programmed timing unit, controls the proportional amounts of hot and cold water flowing into the lines at any particular time. A second line, additionally, flows to the disposal cold water inlet 73 either upon command of the timing unit or under the influence of a manual override switch utilized when the disposal is run without operation of the dishwashing unit.

The water is transmitted from the mixer 92 to the pump 75 where it is pressurized. Usually, the stream of water will bypass the heater unit 80 during the initial soaking and washing processes and, during this interval, will be joined by the desired amount of detergent ilowing from reservoir 63. The pressurized stream of water is routed to the nozzle grid 23 wherefrom it is sprayed onto the dishes in the dishwashing chamber. After striking the dishes and the walls of the tub 21, the Water, and any refuse which may have been washed from the dishes, flows through drain 28 into the disposal unit 72. The disposal unit is activated upon command from the timing unit to grind this refuse and pass it into the drain 93 along with the water.

During the rinse process, the stream of water to nozzle grid 23 is passed through heater 80 where it is raised to a temperature of approximately 180 F. as is explained in greater detail in the co-pending application referred to above. After this water strikes the dishes and flows into the 'bottom of the tub 21, it is discharged through disposal 72 into drain 93 in a manner identical to the water which is routed around heater 80 during initial washing processes.

OPERATION When it is desired to load the dishwashing unit, the release handle 58 is activated by pulling it toward the operator and the cover 50 including sink 51 swings into the vertical position shown in 52. It is desirable, of course, that the cover 50 be biased into its upward position by suitable spring or hook means (not shown) to facilitate loading of the dishes. The racks 35 may then be swung to the position shown on the right as viewed in FIG. 2 and, if a conventional light is provided within assembly 29, it may be activated by flicking the appropriate switch 17. Leftover food matters from the plates, cups and the like may be poured directly into the outwardly flaring funnel 42 of chute 40 by the operator immediately prior to placing the dishes in the rack 30. This garbage, as has been noted previously, passes directly through the chute and into the disposal 72 where it will be ground either upon manual activation of the motor 71 or upon initiation of a dishwashing cycle.

Once all the plates, saucers, silverware and the like have been placed into the lower rack, the racks 35 are swung inwardly to the position indicated on the left in FIG. 2 and loaded With appropriate cups, glasses and the like. The lid assembly 50, including sink 51, is then pulled toward the operator to the position indicated in FIG. 1. As the lid assembly 50 locks into place, depending cylindrical shoulder 54 on sink 51 passes into the interior of the funnel y42 on chute 40 such that garbage and water flowing thereafter through drain 52 in sink 51 will pass directly into the disposal.

Once the cover assembly 50 has been locked down, the dishwashing cycle is initiated by suitably activating timer 16. Activation of the timer, of course, causes the dishwashing unit to proceed through the pre-programmed cycle until such time as the dishes are completely washed. During the time that the dishwasher is in operation, the general purpose sink 51 may be utilized freely, even to the extent of pushing garbage through drain 52 wherefrom it passes via depending cylindrical shoulder 54 into the funnel-shaped portion 42 of chute 40. This garbage, along with any drainage water from sink 51, is funnelled directly into the disposal Without passing into the dishwashing chamber 20. Expended wash water, rinse water, garbage and the like also pass into disposal 72` via the space 45 which exists between the bottom of chute 40 and the upper reach of drain 28.

The motor 71 is conveniently of suicient power to operate both pump 75 and disposal 72 simultaneously such that the disposal 72 may be activated, either by the manual override switch or the timer 16, regardless of the operation of pump 75. Thus, the garbage from the sink 51 which is pushed into drain 52 may be ground without fear of plugging the disposal and, thus, restricting the flow of the spent wash water therefrom.

Ordinarily, a suicient quantity of -water will flow through sink drain 52 to retain the upstanding pipe 40 in relatively sanitary condition. Should this not be the case, however, it may be withdrawn easily by the housewife or other operator from its retaining rack 34 and washed separately. Similarly, the base rack 30 may be removed from the unit for special cleansing, servicing of the unit or the like. This is true regardless of whether the standpipe assembly 40 is supported within a rack such as that indicated by the reference numeral 34, or whether it is removably force-fitted into the opening of drain 28. Such a force-fitting could -be easily accomplished, for example, by utilizing a somewhat pliable plastic material to form standpipe assembly 40.

While a preferred embodiment of this invention has been described in detail, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many other embodiments may be conceived and fabricated without departing from the spirit of this specification and the accompanying drawings. Such other embodiments are to be deemed as included Within the scope of the following claims unless these claims, by their language, expressly state otherwise.

I claim:

1. A multipurpose kitchen unit including a dishwasher comprising:

a disposal;

an automatic dishwashing chamber directly communicating with said disposal and said dishwasher chamber having a single drain opening coupled to said disposal therebeneath;

a general purpose sink above and closing said dishwashing chamber and having a drain aperture therethrough; and

a chute positioned in said dishwasher chamber in drain registry with said drain aperture in said sink and said drain in said dishwasher chamber and spaced upwardly from said drain in said dishwasher chamber whereby debris from said sink and said dishwasher chamber are joined in said chamber for delivery to said disposal.

2. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said chute means passes through said chamber.

3. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said dishwashing chamber has an open top; and, wherein said sink is .hingedly mounted at the top of said chamber and adapted, when pivoted into a horizontal use position to close off and seal the open top of said dishwashing chamber and, when pivoted toward a vertical position, to allow access to said chamber.

4. The combination as set forth in claim 3 wherein said chute means passes through said chamber and which further comprises a breakaway connection means in said chute for permitting said sink to be swung upwardly.

5. The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said dishwashing chamber has an open top and wherein said sink is adapted to be positioned removably over the top of said chamber to close oif and seal said open top and in drain registry with said chute.

6, The combination as set forth in claim 5 wherein said chute means comprises an upstanding pipe positioned within said chamber, one end of said pipe communicating in non-sealed fashion with said dishwashing chamber drain and other end of said pipe being adapted to communicate with said drain aperture in said sink when said sink is in chamber sealing position at the top of said chamber.

7. The combination as set forth in claim 6 wherein said sink has a shoulder member depending downwardly from the lower surface thereof surrounding said drain aperture and wherein the upper reach of said pipe has an outwardly flared portion into which said shoulder member is adapted to protrude when said sink is in sealing position with respect tosaid chamber.

8. The combination as set forth in claim 7 wherein said sink is hingedly mounted over said chamber at the top thereof such that when it is swung into a horizontal use position it seals the top of said chamber and said shoulder protrudes into emptyingregistry with the outwardly flared portion of said pipe and when it is swung toward a vertical position access may be had to said chamber.

9. The combination as set forth in claim 7 vwhich further comprise spigot means located at the top of said chamber adapted to selectively discharge water into said sink.

10. A multi-purpose kitchen unit adapted to be enclosed in a cabinet comprising:

a garbage disposal unit adapted to be positioned in the lower section of said cabinet;

an automatic dishwashing chamber having a drain and an open top adapted to be positioned within said cabinet above said disposal, said drain being connected to said disposal;

a sink having a drain aperture hingedly mounted at the top of said chamber and adapted, when swung into a horizontal use position, to close off and seal the open top of said dishwashing chamber and, when swung toward a vertical position, to allow access to said chamber;

discontinuous chute means positioned within said chamber communicating between said drain aperture and said disposal when said sink is in said horizontal use position and said chute means thereby gapped from connection with said disposal whereby debris from said sink and said dishwashing chamber is merged prior to entering said disposal; and a spray nozzle means horizontally movable in the gap between said chute and said dishwashing chamber. 11. A multi-purpose kitchen unit comprising:

an open-topped automatic dishwashing chamber having a single drain opening in the bottom thereof;

a sink having a drain aperture hingedly mounted at the top of said chamber, and adapted when pivoted into a horizontal use position, to close off and seal the open top of said dishwashing chamber and, when pivoted toward a vertical position, to allow access to said chamber for insertion and removal of dishes;

discontinuous chute means in said chamber extending from said sink drain and ending above the bottom of said chamber; and

a moving spray head in said chamber moving horizontally between said chute and said bottom of said dishwasher chamber.

12. The combination as set forth in claim 11 wherein said sink said chamber each have drain apertures and which further comprises chute means for directing water, refuse and the like from said sink drain apertures into said chamber drain apertures.

13. The combination as set forth in claim 12 wherein said chute means passes through the interior of said chamber.

14. The combination as set forth in claim 13 which further comprises a garbage disposal unit positioned in refuse receiving relationship with respect to said chamber drain aperture and, thus, said sink drain aperture.

15. The combination as set forth in claim 14 wherein each of the depending sidewalls `of said sink are spaced from the sidewalls of said chamber when said sink is in horizontal use position and which further comprises rack means positioned between said side-walls and afxed to the sidewalls of said chamber.

16.. The combination as set forth in claim 15 wherein said rack means are pivotably mounted to said chamber sidewalls such that they may be swung up and out of said chamber when said sink is in its raised position to facilitate access to the lower portion of said chamber for loading and unloading dishes.

17. The combination as set forth in claim 13 which further comprises a dish retaining rack positioned within said chamber, said chute means passing through said rack and supported by said rack.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,390,224 9/1921 woioott 134-115 2,246,104 6/1941 osuoh 134-115 XR 2,274,500 2/1942 oouoh 63-13 XR 2,423,573 10/1947 Loeb 134-115 XR 2,302,477 3/1957 Lovit 134-115 XR 3,026,699 3/1962 Rhodos 63-13 XR 1,097,702 5/1914 Bays 134-155 1,633,335 3/1927 Davis.

2,971,519 2/1961 Willson 134-115 XR 3,075,215 1/1963 Morue 134-104 XR 3,213,366 10/1965 Martiniak 134-176 XR FOREIGN PATENTS 1,363,973 6/1964 France. 1,454,977 4/1966 France.

ROBERT L. BLEUTGE, Primary Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 68-4; 134-200 

